i 


CIRCULAR  OF  INFORMATION 

COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 


TV  8F  it  • 


1 3U  ms 


Conducted  by 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA 
EXTENSION  DIVISION 


DEPARTMENT  OF  PUBLIC  INFORMATION 
AND  WELFARE 
J.  W.  Scroggs,  Director 
Norman,  Okla. 


COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 


Community  Institutes  of  various  types  have  been  held  in  many 
states  in  recent  years.  The  “Oklahoma  Plan”  was  workt  out  in 
1917  but  its  initiation  was  delayed  by  the  war,  and  the  first  trial 
set  of  institutes  was  begun  in  January  1921  with  the  assistance  of 
Community  Service  Inc.  of  New  York.  This  series  of  nine  in- 
stitutes, conducted  under  widely  varying  conditions  fully  demon- 
strated the  vitality  of  the  plan  and  the  desirability  of  its  further 
development. 

The  plan  requires  three  organizations:  one  for  preparation, 
one  for  the  institute,  and  one  for  the  necessary  follow  up  work. 
The  first  two  of  these  are  now  effectively  organized  and  the  third 
will  be  as  soon  as  necessary  funds  can  be  obtaind.  In  the  pre- 
paratory staff  are  three  workers,  and  in  the  institute  staff  seven. 

The  chief  characteristic  of  the  “Oklahoma  Plan”  is  the  effort 
to  appeal  to  every  fundamental  interest  of  the  community  at  the 
same  time.  These  interests  are  so  numerous,  so  infinitely  compli- 
cated, so  often  incompatible  and  contradictory,  that  they  cannot 
be  appeald  to  in  detail;  but  they  may  be  classified  in  their  intens- 
est  forms  as  a Struggle  for  Existence,  a Struggle  for  Happiness, 
a struggle  for  Knowledge,  and  a Struggle  for  Peace.  By  or- 
ganizing the  institute  staff  to  meet  these  fundamental  activities 
there  is  a direct  or  indirect  appeal  to  every  possible  human  in- 
terest. 

I.  THE  STRUGGLE  FOR  EXISTENCE 

Two  departments  minister  to  this : , 

A.  The  Health  Department.  This  comprises  a physician 
and  two  nurses ; one  of  the  nurses  belonging  to  the  Preparatory 
Staff.  She  visits  a town  in  advance  of  an  institute,  and  gathers  as 
much  information  as  possible  concerning  public  and  individual 
health  conditions  for  the  use  of  the  physician  and  nurse  of  the  insti- 
tute staff  and  makes  out  lists  of  children  who  should  see  the 
Medical  Counsellor.  The  number  of  children  examind  by  the 
Health  Department  has  varied  from  125  to  450  in  the  places  thus 
far  visited,  some  being  brought  as  far  as  15  miles. 

B.  Business  Advice.  Making  a living  is  coordinate  with 
health  and  vigor  and  is  one  of  the  fundamentals.  The  experi- 
ment was  tried  of  employing  an  expensive  business  counsellor; 
but  while  well  equipt  in  theory  they  proved  unable  to  give  the 
advice  most  needed.  So  the  plan  was  adopted  of  securing  as  busi- 
ness counsellors  members  of  business  firms  who  have  demonstrated 
their  ability  to  advise  by  successful  business  careers  in  Okla- 
homa. Seven  leading  business  houses  in  Oklahoma  City  have  as- 
sumed the  responsibility  of  one  institute  each  and  will  furnish  an 
adviser  who  is  already  recognized  in  the  highest  business  circles 
ir.  the  state.  They  are  successful  business  men  who  could  not 


COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 


5 


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be  hired  with  any  salary  the  University  could  begin  to  pay. 
And  the  finest  part  of  it  is,  that  all  this  service  is  given  by  them 
free  to  the  business  interests  of  the  state.  It  is  hoped  that  the  co- 
operation of  other  cities  may  be  obtaind. 

II.  THE  STRUGGLE  FOR  HAPPINESS 

Whether  the  Hedonistic  doctrine  that  the  desire  for  happi- 
ness is  the  ultimate  and  controlling  motive  in  all  human  action  is 
true  or  not,  it  is  undoubtedly  true  that  the  struggle  for  happiness 
holds  a tremendously  important  place  in  human  life.  If  the 
* struggle  for  existence  gives  nothing  more  than  mere  existence  it 
is  futile  and  vain.  An  institute  has  two  departments  devoted  to 
this  subject. 

A.  Play  and  Recreation.  Ancient  Greece  demonstrated  for 
all  time  the  value  of  play  in  the  development  of  genius  and 
energy.  Later  the  early  Christians  mistakenly  associated  the 
corruption  of  Roman  society  with  their  plays  and  games  and  the 
reaction  gave  the  world  asceticism  and  puritanism.  Recent  in- 
vestigation and  experiment  confirms  the  old  Greek  practice,  and 
among  thoughtful  people  everywhere  there  is  a great  awakening 
as  to  the  importance  of  supervised  play  in  the  physical,  mental, 
social,  and  moral  development  of  children. 

B.  Community  Singing.  While  allied  with  play  it  is  even 
more  important  in  the  development  of  health  and  of  social  and 
moral  life.  As  a socializer  nothing  surpasses  it;  people  will  sing 
together  who  will  not  speak  when  they  meet,  and  sing  harmon- 
iously. A singing  community  is  always  a progressive  community,  in 
telligent  and  law-abiding. 

III.  THE  STRUGGLE  FOR  KNOWLEDGE 

Education  is  worth  far  more  than  it  costs  for  its  help  in  the 
struggle  for  existence.  Not  only  are  the  wages  of  the  educated 
higher  but  they  can  better  take  advantage  of  circumstances,  and 
their  lives  are  more  significant.  Knowledge  is  equally  valuable 
in  the  struggle  for  happiness.  Without  it  happiness  degenerates 
into  animalism,  and  all  the  highest  and  most  wholesome  joys  of 
life  are  impossible.  A chief  aim  of  every  institute  is  the  further- 
ing in  every  way  the  educational  ideals  and  interests  of  the  state. 

IV.  THE  STRUGGLE  FOR  PEACE 

Not  the  peace  of  more  inaction  but  of  perfect  functioning. 
The  three  lower  struggles  occasion  so  much  conflict  and  hatred 
that  wars  would  destroy  civilization  unless  the  influence  of  the 
higher  life  can  be  effectually  brought  to  bear.  Individualism  has 
been  carried  too  far  in  American  life  and  threatens  to  defeat  it- 
self. We  are  fundamentally  social  beings,  and  all  our  lives  cul- 
minate in  the  social  or  spiritual  life.  The  world’s  highest  in- 
terest, then,  is  the  development  of  this  type  of  life  and  activity. 

A.  Home  Problems.  It  is  in  the  home  that  individual 
wills  are  fused  with  others ; it  is  the  -beginning  of  the  socializing 
process.  There  is  no  possible  substitute  for  it  in  human  life. 
Yet  we  are  losing  the  home,  at  least  as  we  used  to  know  it. 
It  is  being  attackt  by  more  demoralizing  and  disintegrating  in- 
fluences than  ever  before  in  human  history.  No  nation  can  rise 


6 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA 


higher  than  its  homes.  A community  institute  must  give  an  im- 
portant place  to  home  problems. 

B.  Community  Peace.  A fuss  between  two  families  may 
paralyze  a community  for  a generation.  Every  such  quarrel  is 
a public  calamity,  and  interferes  with  every  kind  of  progress. 
We  must  learn  to  be  peacemakers  not  strife  makers. 

A.  World  Peace.  Like  charity,  peace  must  begin  at  home. 
One  great  end  of  religion  is  to  end  war  by  removing  its  causes; 
and  when  that  cannot  be  done,  to  meet  the  conflicts  of  in- 
terests, the  misunderstandings,  the  racial  antipathies  with  a 
forbearance,  gentleness,  __  and  kindliness  which  would  quickly 
transform  any  community,  and  make  wars  impossible. 


A COMPREHENSIVE  PROGRAM 

Every  activity  and  interest  of  human  life  can  be  classt 
under  one  or  more  of  these  four  types  of  activity.  Every  com- 
plete life  must  give  due  place  to  each  of  these  four  activities 
and  keep  them  properly  balanct ; this  is  the  key  to  complete, 
wholesome,  happy,  useful  living.  A community  institute,  ap- 
pealing as  it  does  to  the  whole  of  life,  is  naturally  a strong  in- 
fluence for  good  in  many  ways.  It  evens  up  lives  and  broadens 
their  interests,  reveals  vividly  the  necessity  and  advantages  of 
cooperation,  and  most  of  all  creates  or  fosters  a community 
spirit  which  facilitates  all  kinds  of  community  effort. 

THE  INSTITUTE  STAFF 

This  consists  of  Seven  workers  or  counsellors.  While  each 
worker  has  a distinct  department  the  work  of  all  is  coordinated 
so  that  everything  is  focust  on  community  activities  and  effi- 
ciency. 

The  Community  Counsellor  gives  entire  attention  to  com- 
munity matters,  combining,  as  far  as  possible,  the  work  of  all 
the  other  members  of  the  staff  in  the  supreme  purpose  of  the 
institutes.  He  also  conducts  a class  in  Social  Relations. 

The  Medical  Counsellor  and  her  assistant  give  their  en- 
tire time  to  public  and  individual  health.  Medical  ethics  do  not 
permit  a physician  to  hunt  up  cases  to  treat,  and  very  many, 
especially  children  do  not  go  to  the  physician  till  late  to  avoid 
serious  and  often  fatal  consequences.  The  Public  Health  de- 
partment of  the  institute  staff  find  many  defective  children 
whose  defects  are  easily  remedied  if  taken  in  time.  No  treat- 
ment is  given;  the  children  being  referd  to  local  physicians. 

The  Domestic  Counsellor.  The  most  imperative  and  per- 
plexing problems  confronting  modern  civilization  are  those  re- 
lating to  the  home  and  the  proper  rearing  and  training  of 
children.  So  important  is  this  to  the  life  of  every  community 
that  one  member  of  the  staff  devotes  all  her  time  to  it.  She 
conducts  a class  in  Domestic  Relations  and  is  available  for  pri- 
vate interviews  with  individuals  or  groups. 

The  Educational  Counsellor  advises  with  school  boards, 
faculties  and  patrons  concerning  educational  problems,  giving 
special  attention  to  educational  aims  and  policies.  Schools  are 
inspected  and  helpful  suggestions  made.  Satisfaction  with  the 


COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 


7 


results  of  our  educational  expenditure  can  hardly  be  said  to 
keep  pace  with  its  increasing  cost.  Next  to  the  home,  our 
schools  are  our  greatest  interest. 

The  Recreational  Counsellor  will  conduct  a class  in  Play 
Supervision,  especially  for  teachers  and  parents.  It  is  very 
desirable  that  as  many  rural  teachers  attend  as  possible.  Mass 
playing  is  usually  futile  and  often  worse  unless  wisely  super- 
vised. It  is  fully  as  irrational  to  turn  children  loose  on  a play- 
ground without  supervision  as  to  turn  them  loose  in  school 
room  without  a teacher.  The  greatest  need  just  now  is  ade- 
quate supervision. 

The  Business  Counsellor  is  a man  who  has  not  only  achieved 
success  in  business,  but  who  is  now  engaged  in  effective  and  suc- 
cessful business  pursuits.  There  are  few  men  in  business  who 
do  not  have  matters  about  which  they  would  like  to  consult  a 
successful  business  man.  The  Institute  will  bring  about  such 
opportunity. 


THE  PREPARATORY  STAFF 

The  Organizers  first  visit  a community  and  make  the  pre- 
liminary arrangements  and  agreements  with  the  business,  social, 
educational  and  other  interests  represented  in  the  community. 
They  arrange  for  the  appointment  of  committees  and  the  organiza- 
tion of  classes.  The  committees  include  a Committee  on  Pub- 
licity, on  Finances,  on  Reception  and  entertainment,  on  Enroll- 
ment, on  Information  and  a General  Steering  Committee.  The 
Enrollment  Committee  should  secure  enrollments  of  as  many  as 
possible  for  the  following  classes : Social  Relations,  Domestic 
Relations,  Educational  Aims  and  Policies,  Play  Supervision,  and 
Public  Health.  The  Information  Committee  should  gather  all 
possible  information  for  the  use  of  the  institute  staff  to  enable 
them  better  to  serve  the  community.  Each  business  man  should 
write  on  a slip  of  paper  the  chief  difficulties,  problems,  and  per- 
plexities of  the  business  interests  of  the  community.  Similar 
lists  should  be  made  by  mothers,  teachers,  farmers,  and  all  citi- 
zens of  the  community.  The  practical  value  of  the  Institute  will 
depend  very  largely  upon  the  success  of  this  committee.  These 
lists  should  be  mailed  to  the  Extension  Division  of  the  Univer- 
sity, Norman,  Okla.,  as  early  as  possible,  at  least  two  weeks  before 
the  institute.  The  Steering  Committee  sees  that  the  other  com- 
mittees perform  their  duties,  and  attends  to  all  matters  not  referd 
to  other  committees. 

The  Advance  Nurse  makes  a preliminary  survey  of  the 
health  conditions  of  the  community,  examines  children,  and  makes 
lists  of  them  for  the  use  of  the  Health  Workers.  She  demon- 
strates the  need  and  value  of  a Public  Health  Nurse  and  makes  the 
work  of  the  Health  Department  of  the  Institute  more  extensive 
and  effective.  Citizens  may  aid  greatly  by  calling  her  attention  to 
precocious,  defective,  abnormal,  or  unusual  children.  The  Ad- 
vance Nurse  will  be  glad  to  work  under  the  direction  of  local 
physicians. 

Final  Preparation.  A member  of  the  Preparatory  staff,  will 
where  Possible,  arrive  a few  days  before  the  opening  of  an  insti- 


8 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA 


tute  and  assist  in  the  final  preparations,  and  enable  the  community 
to  get  the  greatest  possible  benefit  from  the  institute. 

WHAT  A COMMUNITY  INSTITUTE  MAY  DO 
FOR  A COMMUNITY 

It  draws  people  together  and  unites  them  in  efforts  for  the 
common  good. 

It  unites  factions,  even  where  there  are  strong  differences, 
and  enables  them  to  work  together. 

It  focuses  the  attention  of  the  entire  community  on  its  needs 
and  problems  and  their  remedies. 

It  gives  much  valuable,  up-to-date  information  on  many 
matters  of  great  importance  both  the  community  and  to  individ- 
uals. 

It  improves  the  home  life  of  every  family  which  comes  into 
contact  with  it.  There  are  messages  for  all;  fathers,  mothers,  and 
children. 

It  helps  the  schools  by  assisting  the  teachers,  by  inspiring 
higher  ideals,  and  by  wholesome  instruction  and  entertainment. 
The  school  service  alone  has  been  said  to  be  worth  more  than  the 
entire  cost  of  the  institute. 

It  strengthens  and  encourages  the  most  progressive  and  for- 
ward looking  people  in  a community,  increasing  their  influence 
and  leadership,  and  organizes  them  for  more  effective  work. 

It  magnifies  the  importance  of  community  life  and  cooperation 
and  leaves  a wholesome  atmosphere  of  neighborliness  and  altruism. 
It  brings  together  country  and  town,  rich  and  poor,  the  learnd  and 
unlearnd. 

It  helps  business  men  by  bringing  within  their  reach  the  ad- 
vice and  counsel  of  some  of  the  most  successful  business  men  in 
in  the  state;  men  who  know  Oklahoma  conditions,  and  whose 
success  proves  the  value  of  their  advice. 

It  centers  the  attention  and  interest  of  the  entire  community 
upon  its  children ; their  health,  happiness,  education,  moral  training, 
their  wholesome  development  and  growth.  None  enjoy  the  in- 
stitutes more  than  the  children. 

The  accompaning  testimonials  show  that  all  these  things 
have  actually  been  done. 


THE  COST 

The  total  cost  of  an  institute  is  about  $1,000.  Of  this  com- 
munity where  the  institute  is  held  is  askt  to  pay  at  least  $300. 
and  all  the  local  expenses.  The  University  will  furnish  programs, 
circulars,  window  cards,  and  pay  the  hotel  bills  of  the  staff. 


COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 


9 


GUIDING  PRINCIPLES 

1.  No  “Cut-and-dried”  program  will  be  urged  upon  any 
community.  The  object  is  to  aid  communities  to  solve  their 
own  problems. 

2.  No  institute  will  be  held  except  where  the  full  coopera- 
tion of  at  least  the  business  men,  the  women,  and  the  public 
school  faculty  can  be  secured. 

3.  While  they  try  to  render  most  invaluable  service  to  in- 
dividuals, the  real  and  ultimate  aim  of  the  institute  workers  is 
community  efficiency. 

4.  Each  institute  will  leave  organizations  to  continue  its 
work.  While  outside  aid  may  greatly  help  to  begin  local  move- 
ments, every  community  must  ultimately  work  out  its  own  sal- 
vation. 

5.  The  institute  workers  will  not  “boss”,  or  even  lead.  The 
sole  aim  is  to  bring  expert  advice  and  counsel,  and  leave  the 
community  stronger  and  more  efficient. 


10  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA 

PROVISIONAL  PROGRAM 
COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 

First  Day 

(NOTE:  When  possible,  a preliminary  meeting  of  the  staff 
with  local  committees  is  held  during  the  afternoon  of  the  first 
day.) 

7:30  p.  m.  Community  Singing. 

8:00  Opening  Address.  Complete  Living. 

8:30  Introduction  of  the  members  of  the  Staff. 

8:50  Address:  Community  Life. 


Second  Day 

9-12:00  a.  m.  Examination  of  Children. 

Special  programs  in  the  schools. 

Business  conferences,  individual  and  group. 

10:00  Class:  Educational  Aims  and  Policies. 

11:00  Class:  Public  Health. 

12:0Q  Noon.  Luncheon:  Business  Men  and  Women  and 


Institute  Staff. 

1:30  p.  m.  Class:  Domestic  Relations. 

2:45  Class:  Social  Relations. 

4 :00  Class : Play  Supervision. 

(NOTE:  The  hours  of  these  classes  are  subject  to  change 
in  order  to  accommodate  local  needs  and  preferences.) 

7:30  p.  m.  Community  Singing. 

8:00  Address:  Husbands  and  Wives. 

8:45  Address:  Neighbors  and  Friends. 


Third  Day 

9-12  a.  m.  Examination  of  Children. 

Special  Programs  at  the  Schools. 

Business  Conferences  continued. 

10:00  Class:  Educational  Aims  and  Policies. 

11:00  Class:  Public  Health. 

12:00:  Noon:  Luncheon:  Educational  Officials  and  Staff. 

1:30  p.  m.  Class:  Domestic  Relations. 

2:45  Class:  Social  Relations. 

4 :00  Class  : Play  Supervision. 

7 :30  Community  Singing. 

8:00  Addresses:  Next  Things  for  . 

8:45  Closing  Address. 


COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES  11 

TESTIMONIALS 
Editorial, — Pawhuska  Capital. 

The  value  of  the  institute  cannot  be  estimated  in  dollars  and 
cents. 

Jno.  R.  March,  Asst.  Secy.  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Perry. 

My  mother  attended  as  many  of  the  sessions  as  possible  at 
Guthrie  and  wrote  me  that  it  was  the  best  week  Guthrie  has  had 
in  many  a year. 

Daily  Oklahoman  Reporter. 

Even  husbands  and  wives  are  brought  closer  together  by  the 
Institute  work.  Courtesy  in  the  home  is  taught  both  men  and  wo- 
men, as  well  as  the  children. 

From  Address  by  J.  E.  Taplin  at  Close  of  Institute,  Blackwell. 

I have  lived  in  Blackwell,  and  have  had  my  business  and  many 
friends  here  for  many  years,  but  it  is  just  within  the  last  three 
days  that  I have  realized  that  Blackwell  is  MY  Blackwell. 

Oklahoman  Reporter,  Wagoner,  Feb.  10. 

A little  girl’s  life  was  saved  by  the  child  specialist  of  the 
Community  Institute  Staff  at  Wagoner.  She  was  found  to  have 
tuberculosis  of  the  spine.  Condition  discoverd  just  in  time. 


Rev.  Geo.  W.  Shafor,  Baptist  Church,  Lawton 

Viewd  from  the  after  results  of  the  Community  Institute,  it 
was  a decided  success.  It  did  for  us  the  one  thing  which  was  the 
supreme  need  ~c  our  city,  drawing  factions  into  close  cooperation. 


The  Constitution, — Lawton. 

The  Institute  was  a decided  success  from  every  standpoint. 
It  was  an  inspiration  to  all  who  attended.  The  University  of 
Oklahoma  is  doing  a great  work  in  carrying  on  these  institutes. 

Record-Democrat,  Wagoner. 

The  cost  of  the  Institute  was  not  large,  but  was  well  worth 
all  it  cost.  One  business  man  said,  “I  think  so  much  of  the  In- 
stitute idea  that  I will  contribute  to  bring  it  here  again  next  year. 
It  should  be  made  an  annual  affair.” 


H.  L.  Toliver,  Banker,  Cordell. 

We  intend  to  keep  alive  the  dominant  community  spirit  stird 
up  by  the  Institute  sessions.  The  University  deserves  the  high- 
est praise.  Without  its  aid  the  small  towns  and  cities  of  the 
state  would  be  unable  to  secure  such  a corps  of  specialists. 

J.  M.  Garland,  County  Farm  Agent,  Cordell. 

I am  certain  that  the  Institute  has  been  of  inestimable  value 
to  the  community.  The  benefits  are  manifold,  but  one  of  the  most 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA 


12 

important  to  my  mind  is  the  promise  of  closer  cooperation  and 
better  understanding  between  the  farmers  and  the  merchants  of 
Cordell. 


Miami  News,  Editorial. 

In  thus  aiding  communities  thruout  the  state  the  University 
more  thoroly  demonstrates  what  an  important  part  it  plays  in  the 
progress  and  development  of  the  state.  To  continue  its  growth 
and  increase  its  beneficial  influences  the  University  must  and 
should  have  the  support  it  deserves. 


A.  P.  Gregory,  Secretary  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Guthrie. 

The  opera  house  and  churches  were  used  as  meeting  places 
and  as  many  as  five  thousand  people  were  taking  part  in  the 
program  at  the  same  time.  Guthrie  is  eminently  satisfied  with 
the  present  results  and  future  prospects.  It  highly  recommends  the 
staff  of  workers  and  urges  every  city  to  secure  one  of  the  sessions 
if  possible. 


Cordell  News. 

A more  vigorous  community  spirit,  healthier  business  con- 
ditions, and  closer  cooperation  between  business  interests  of  Cor- 
dell and  the  farmers.  These  are  a few  of  the  benefits  derived 
from  the  first  community  institute  held  in  the  state.  “The  value 
is  unmeasured  and  will  never  be  fully  known;  I hear  nothing  but 
praise  on  every  side,”  says  Mr.  Fleming,  President  of  the  Chamber 
of  Commerce. 


Dr.  B.  K.  Pemberton,  Mayor  of  McAlester 

I am  writing  you  as  mayor  of  this  city  and  as  one  greatly  in- 
terested in  Community  Welfare  work  to  thank  you  for  the  splen- 
did work  done  by  the  team  in  our  recent  community  institute. 
Am  sure  a great  amount  of  good  has  been  done,  not  only  for  Mc- 
Alester but  for  all  of  Pittsburg  county.  Your  workers  are  in- 
dustrious, thoro,  and  competent,  and  I am  sure  will  be  of  untold 
benefit  to  any  community  in  which  they  hold  an  institute.  As  a 
result  of  this  work  I am  sure  that  the  citizenship  of  this  city  and 
county  feel  more  than  ever  their  individual  responsibility  to  the 
rising  generation. 


Earl  Foster,  Atty.  at  Law,  Sapulpa. 

This  is  to  express  to  you  and  to  the  rest  of  the  staff  who  put 
r-u  the  Community  Institute  at  Sapulpa  March  3,  4,  and  5 my  ap- 
preciation as  well  as  most  of  the  men  and  women  of  Sapulpa  inter- 
ested in  the  welfare  of  the  community  for  the  wonderful  institute 
which  you  gave  us. 

We  need  such  things  as  these  as  in  Sapulpa  ,and  we  want  to 
assure  you  that  you  did  an  untold  good  in  our  community.  I am 
convinct  that  your  institute  did  more  than  any  one  thing  to  at 
least  start  an  interest  in  community  betterment  in  this  city. 


COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 


13 


M.  L.  Cotton,  Supt.  Schools,  Lawton. 

1.  There  was  a wholesome  atmosphere  left  in  the  whole  city 
in  regard  to  the  kind  of  people,  subjects  discust,  manner  of  appeal, 
and  purposes  of  the  Community  Institute. 

2.  It  led  to  the  organization  of  a Community  Council  which 
has  begun  its  work  of  correlating  the  work  of  all  the  organizations 
of  the  town  and  is  meeting  every  Monday. 

3.  It  will  have  a tendency  to  “democratize”  the  larger  pur- 
poses of  our  higher  institutions  of  learning  of  the  state.  This 
must  be  done  if  our  educational  institutions  are  given  the  support 
they  deserve. 

4.  By  commending  the  work  of  those  who  are  most  active 
along  constructive  lines,  the  Institute  left  them  much  stronger  to 
do  the  work  and  make  it  possible  to  get  cooperation  of  the  people 
and  organizations  more  easily. 


W.  T.  Lampe,  Secretary  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Pawhuska. 

While  it  is  yet  too  early  to  give  you  the  full  benefits  resulting 
from  the  institute  held  here  in  February,  personally  I am  pleased 
to  say  that  the  work  has  been  warmly  commended.  Supt. 
Stephens  of  the  public  schools  declares  that  the  benefits  derived 
from  the  lectures  given  before  the  student  body  were  alone  worth 
more  than  the  cost  of  the  institute. 

Regular  meetings  of  the  Council  will  be  held  monthly  and  the 
Council  is  subject  to  the  call  of  the  president  at  any  time.  We 
have  already  seriously  taken  up  the  matter  of  building  a community 
center  in  cooperation  with  the  Woman’s  Club,  and  other  improve- 
ments will  be  considerd  when  this  is  accomplisht. 


W.  B.  Burks,  Evelena  Cochran,  Mrs.  H.  F.  Toliver, 
Committee,  Cordell. 

. Whereas,  the  University  of  Oklahoma  thru  its  Extension 
Division  has  seen  fit  to  favor  the  city  of  Cordell  as  the  location 
for  its  first  Community  Institute,  and 

Whereas,  said  institute  has  been  the  means  of  lasting  benefit 
to  our  community: 

Therefore  be  it  resolved  by  the  Community  Council ; 

1.  That  we  heartily  commend  the  University  for  the  much 
needed  work  it  is  doing  thru  these  institutes. 

2.  That  we  recommend  the  Institute  to  other  communities 
of  our  state  as  being  the  best  means  we  have  found  of  arousing  a 
community  spirit. 

3.  That  we  shall  expect  another  Institute  during  the  year 
1921-22. 

4.  That  in  the  meantime  we  shall  carry  forward  the  work 
started,  and 

5.  That  from  this  Institute  shall  date  the  beginning  of  a 
“Better  Cordell.” 


14  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA 

H.  E.  Berg,  Secretary  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Wagoner. 

There  can  be  no  gainsaying  that  the  institute  was  a great 
thing  for  our  community.  Perhaps  the  most  tangible  (at  present) 
result  which  the  Institute  left  us  in  the  Community  Council.  In 
this  organization  we  have  a fine  class  of  citizens,  and  while  not 
sufficient  time  has  elapst  to  have  recorded  any  definite  achieve- 
ments for  our  city  thru  this  council,  yet  I see  in  it  the  greatest 
opportunity  and  the  most  potent  factor  for  community  develop- 
ment that  could  exist  in  any  town.  I am  looking  for  great  things 
to  come  from  it  and  thru  it. 

It  goes  without  saying  that  many  people  who  have  not  done 
so  before,  since  the  Institute  are  thinking  more  for  and  about 
their  home  town  than  ever  could  otherwise  have  been. 

I can  conceive  of  no  better  thing  to  develop  community  spirit, 
to  raise  community  ideals,  to  promote  community  improvements, 
to  act  as  a community  “house-cleaning”  in  every  sense  of  the 
word  than  placing  a worthy  constructive  program  before  a com- 
munity. The  manner  in  which  it  checks  up  the  health  and  educa- 
tional conditions  of  a community  is  of  inestimable  value.  And  in 
all  of  this,  community  singing  plays  an  important  and  helpful 
part.  In  short,  the  Institute’s  place  as  a potent  factor  for  cultivat- 
ing true  Americanism  is  second  only  to  the  church,  and  it  makes 
even  the  churches  work  together  in  a larger  way  than  otherwise 
could  be  done.  Indeed,  nothing  better  can  happen  to  a community 
than  a good  Community  Institute. 


Mrs.  Anna  Heer,  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Guthrie. 

The  influence  and  “after  effects”  of  the  Institute  I think  may 
be  summed  up  in  the  following  manner : 

1.  The  town  and  country  movement  has  receivd  an  impetus 
towards  growth  as  never  before,  and  in  a big  joint  meeting,  each 
side  pledgd  support  in  establishing  a community  building  to  serve 
as  a center  for  the  different  activities  and  organizations  of  the 
county. 

2.  The  American  Legion  has  purchast  gymnasium  apparatus 
and  has  secured  quarters  temporarily  in  the  old  convention  hall. 
The  boys  have  also  pledgd  their  support  for  a central  building. 

3.  The  Service  Star  Legion  have  resolvd  themselves  into  an 
auxiliary  of  the  Legion  as  a direct  resuit  of  the  efforts  of  Cel. 
Gansser.  This  is  having  the  effect  of  arousing  a more  direct  in- 
terest in  the  boys,  and  has  changed  some  of  their  policies,  making 
them  more  cooperative  in  their  work. 

4.  The  “Community  Sings”  are  being  held  regularly  every 
Sunday  afternoon,  and  already  a different  class  of  people  are 
becoming  noticeable  in  the  congregation ; the  kind  the  community 
needs  to  reach. 

5.  The  Welfare  League  of  the  Lutz  Dry  Goods  store  has 
inaugurated  morning  singing  at  least  one  morning  of  each  week 
as  a part  of  their  program. 


COMMUNITY  INSTITUTES 


15 


6.  Schools  districts  over  the  county  are  asking  the  town 
people  to  their  pie  suppers,  etc.,  and  singing  is  a part  of  the  pro- 
gram. 

7.  The  Chamber  of  Commerce  is  organizing  a boys’  and  a 
Woman’s  auxiliary,  and  is  looking  forward  to  a centralization  of 
all  organizations. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  all  this  activity,  and  more  that  I 
have  not  mentiond,  is  the  result  of  the  splendid  Institute  held  here 
under  the  auspices  of  the  University.  If  any  of  the  Institute 
staff  can  spare  the  time  to  run  over  and  take  a look  at  us  at  any 
time  we  shall  be  more  than  pleasd  to  welcome  you,  as  we  feel  we 
owe  everything  to  the  “team”  and  their  unselfish  and  unstinted  work. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA  BULLETIN 


The  University  Bulletin  has  been  established  by  the  uni- 
versity. The  reasons  that  have  led  to  such  a step  are:  first, 
to  provide  a means  to  set  before  the  people  of  Oklahoma,  from 
time  to  time,  information  abput  the  work  of  the  different  de- 
partments of  the  university;  and  second,  to  provide  a way  for 
the  publishing  of  reports,  papers,  theses,  and  such  other  matter 
as  the  university  believes  would  be  helpful  to  the  cause  of  edu- 
cation in  our  state.  The  Bulletin  will  be  sent  post  free  to  all 
who  apply  for  it.  The  university  desires  especially  to  exchange 
with  other  schools  and  colleges  for  similar  publications: 

> • 

Communications  should  be  addressed: 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OKLAHOMA 
University  Hall 
Norman,  Oklahoma 

University  of  Oklahoma  Bulletin,  published  by  the  univer- 
sity, is  issued  semi-monthly.  Entered  at  the  postoffice  at  Nor- 
man, as  second  class  matter,  under  act  of  congress  of  August 
24,  1912.  Accepted  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage,  as 
provided  for  in  Section  1103,  act  of  October  3rd,  1917,  authoric- 
ed  on  July  8th,  1918. 


THE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 


Gaylord  Bros. 
Makers 

Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
PAT,  JAN.  21,1908 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 


3 0112 101059829 


